AgriKids in the Seanad

Today we headed back to the Seanad for the launch of the farm safety report on Farm Safety.

All groups whose submissions were accepted were in attendance and I was delighted to have ‘himself’ there for moral support, I was also delighted to see Norma and Brian Rohan from Embrace FARM there and we got to have bite to eat together afterwards.

In the run up to the event, I sent every member on the Seanad Agricultural Panel and the Cultural and Educational Panel a copy of my book and a cover note outlining the purpose of the books and the fact that I would be attending on the Tuesday. I was delighted to hear the books had been incredibly well received and to see Senator Thomas Byrne, (local Senator for Co. Meath), arrived to the hearing room with a copy of the book.

But I digress…..

The recommendations contained the report fell under the following headings:

1. Education

It was largely believed that education holds the key to raising farm safety standards and encouraged greater peer generated learning. However some conflict still exists with some groups favouring incentivised participation in health and safety courses while others felt penalties for non participation should be considered.

Awareness building
Look to leading figures in organisations such as the GAA to promote farm safety and undertake a comprehensive nationwide farm safety campaign similar to those operated by the Road Safety Authority.

Scrappage scheme
To assist with financial constraints a scrappage scheme for PTO shafts should be introduced. In addition the investigation into the possibility for tractor and machinery scrappage scheme.

New technologies
New technologies such as slurry gas detection devices should be embraced and acknowledged for their potential in alleviating farm accidents.

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, (TAM)
Future TAM schemes should include incentivised participation in farm safety schemes.

Tractor safety
Tractors play a significant role in farm safety and fatalities. While a split in opinion remains for punitive sanctions the overall consensus was for a specific awareness campaign on tractor safety.

Farm safety visits
The HSA has renamed inspections as ‘Farm safety visits’, and that it wishes to work in partnership with farmers as a support model.
A call for all state agencies, not just the HSA to engage in collaborative initiatives with famers, et. the facilitation of peer discussion groups as the main way to advance safety on farms.

Tractor adaptation grant
Recommended that grants be made available to adapt tractors and other machinery to the needs of survivors of farm accidents.

Assistance for bereaved families
Look to make changes to banking arrangements in the aftermath of a farming tragedy so that funds can be accessed to allow the business to continue and provide for bereaved spouse and children.
All farmers should be compelled to make a will

From here we will all be heading back to the Seanad as the recommendation outlined will be up for debate with the minister – I will keep you posted.

‍